Peacefully at the age of 98, our beloved Dernina ("Mimi") passed away on the morning of June 27, 2024. Mimi was gentle, loving, and kind. She devoted her life, her tireless efforts, and her caring attention to her family.
Mimi was one of five sisters born in Rende in Cosenza, Italy. She was predeceased by her sisters Delfina and Nella and her brothers-in-law Michele Mazzuca, Salvatore Mazzuca and Frank Portone. She leaves behind her adoring sisters Rinuccia and Marcella. She raised generations of children, for whom she was a grandmother, a second mother, and an aunt (or great-aunt!) all in one. She will be dearly missed by all of her "children", including: Wilma (Eugene), Adam (Annalia), Frank (Jacqui), Fran (Terry), Marilyn (Tim), Adam-Christian (Katie), Samuel (Catalina), Thomas, Matthew, Isaiah, and Violet.
Mimi followed others in her family and emigrated to Toronto, where she worked hard as an extremely skilled seamstress and embroiderer. Her prowess at sewing was matched only by her skill at cooking and making others feel welcome and taken care of.
Everyone in her family was touched by her kindness, comfort, strength and unfailing positive support through all of life’s challenges and joys.
Her warmth and selflessness will live on in the cherished memories of her family.
Words cannot do her justice. She was, simply, one of a kind and we are all lucky to have known her. She will be profoundly missed, always remembered, and will be forever in our hearts.
The family extends their gratitude to the caring and attentive staff at Villa Colombo Vaughan and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Dernina "Mimi" Castiglione, please visit our flower store.